CAA confirms fatal crash involved three-plane formation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority says the aircraft that went missing and was later found to have crashed in the KZN Midlands was one of three planes flying in formation.
The three occupants of one of the planes were killed.
The three aircraft took off on Sunday afternoon from Virginia Airport in Durban.
They were headed to Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s Sisa Majola says they were meant to refuel at Ladysmith Airport in northern KZN.
"Since the Ladysmith Airport did not have nice facilities, the formation of the three aircraft diverted to a nearby great town airport," said Majola.
"The first accident occurred when a Piper Cherokee crashed into bushy terrain on approach to the Greytown Airport.
"The two pilots on board were not injured, but the aircraft was damaged. A second aircraft managed to land safely."
The wreckage of the aircraft that was carrying student pilot Nqobile Biyela and two others was found in the Midlands on Monday morning, after an extensive search by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre.
Authorities are still working to notify the next-of-kin of the other two victims.
Majola said the CAA's Accident and Incident Investigations Division has been dispatched to both sites.
"In order to collate evidence, a preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website within 30 days of the day of the accident.
"The AIID also extends sincere condolences to the family and the loved ones of the deceased."
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